Community Spirit Ignites Canvas Auction to an Impressive Finish

Calgary – The Calgary Stampede is pleased to announce the results from the 2015 GMC Rangeland Derby Canvas Auction. The auction, an annual tradition since 1978, creates important connections between advertisers and drivers, and helps sustain the unique western Canadian heritage sport.

More than 160 organizations came out to bid on the 36 GMC Rangeland Derby Drivers. In total the 36 successful bidders supported the auction with bids totaling $2,782,000.

Tsuu T’ina Nation has once again secured Kurt Bensmiller for the 2015 GMC Rangland Derby. To Tsuu T’ina Nation, being a canvas advertiser at the Stampede is more than just advertising; they have developed a meaningful relationship with Bensmiller and his family. Bensmiller was the 2014 GMC Rangeland Derby Champion.

“In a challenging year, our city showed its resiliency with amazing support of chuckwagon racing and our community,” says Paul Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Calgary Stampede. “Our chuckwagon team worked hard to ensure we had a room full of enthusiastic bidders, and we’re happy to see a good mix of familiar and fresh faces among our successful buyers.”

The final bid of the night went to driver Dave Galloway, who will make his GMC Rangeland Derby debut this year. The rookie collected an impressive $100,000 bid, placing him tied for the fifth highest bid of the evening.

This is the seventh year for Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP and the Calgary Food Bank’s Put the Boots to Hunger campaign. “When we began as a canvas advertiser we wanted to make an impact,” says Grant Zawalsky, Managing Partner, Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. “Our Put the Boots to Hunger partnership with the Food Bank has been extremely successful and the campaign has raised more than $3 million throughout the years.”

For more information about the 2015 Calgary Stampede visit calgarystampede.com.

About the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

Source Calgary Stampede

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The following is from the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association:

CALGARY STAMPEDE GMC RANGELAND DERBY
2015 TARP AUCTION RESULTS

** At the request of some sponsors, the final auction bid per driver will not be displayed

AUCTION TOTAL – $2,782,000.00

AVERAGE BID – $77,278.00